Parish of Prazeres

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Madeira > Calheta > Prazeres > Picos

Located in the Picos area, in Prazeres, Calheta municipality, this church occupies a small paved churchyard that follows the gentle slope of the terrain. Around it extends a typical rural environment, with stone walls and scattered vegetation, offering a peaceful atmosphere.

From the churchyard, it is possible to glimpse part of the adjacent valley and the slopes leading to the sea, reinforcing the sense of proximity between the building and the natural landscape marked by terraces and endemic flora.

Origin and Historical Value:

Built in the mid-18th century, the current Parish Church of Nossa Senhora das Neves (Our Lady of the Snows) replaced an old hermitage dating from 1676, the year the parish of Prazeres was created. The first stone was laid in 1751, with the temple completed shortly thereafter.

It is the only parish in the Diocese of Funchal dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows, a patron saint whose devotion is based on a 4th-century Roman tradition. Over the centuries, the building has withstood various adversities, keeping alive the local community and religious memory.

Architecture and Interior Environment:

The exterior features sober lines, with two side towers framed by dark stonework that highlights the white of the walls. The central gable boasts colorful stained-glass windows and a wooden portal, lending serene elegance to the ensemble.

Inside, a ceiling painted with floral motifs stands out, as does the main altarpiece in gilded carving, framing images of Our Lady of the Snows and the Blessed Sacrament. Walls covered with azulejo panels add a touch of color and tradition, while wooden benches and soft lighting create an inviting atmosphere for contemplation.

Garden Area:

Behind the church extends a simple garden, integrated into a partially walled plot of land. There, Portuguese pavement paths wind among beds of aromatic plants, such as rosemary and lavender, and small flowering shrubs.

The area is complemented by some shade trees, stone tables, and a resting nook that invites a pause. The native vegetation provides freshness and the perfumed air reinforces contact with the rural surroundings, making this space a serene extension of the temple.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt